Want to influence the bigger picture? At Saab, you can realise amazing innovations that keep people and societies safe. Together, we can truly make an impact – and your part matters.
What you will be a part of
The Saab Group Business Development (GBD) function covers Saab AB’s all global Business Development activities. Saab GBD function has local offices in selected Countries and you will be part of our established country Norway, based at the Saab Technologies AS office in Halden or Oslo.
Your role
We are seeking a dynamic Director of Business Development to spearhead our efforts in the Norwegian defence market, based in either Halden or Oslo. The role is defined as customer sales responsible (CSR), focusing on Saab's business development activities, with an emphasis on selected land, naval, or air solutions. You will also support in-country execution projects. Reporting directly to the Country Manager for Norway, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our market strategy.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, its agencies (such as NDMA), the Norwegian Defence Industry, or the Norwegian Armed Forces. You should possess an extensive network and deep expertise in the Norwegian defence governmental and industrial markets, with the ability to independently identify, pursue, and drive business opportunities. While travel will primarily be within Norway, you should be prepared for frequent visits to Saab’s Headquarters, Business Areas, or Business Units in other countries.
Expectations
- Accelerate business growth by converting prospects into orders and leading strategic business development campaigns for Saab's products and services in Norway.
- Exceed targets by delivering order intake and gross margin in line with Saab Norway's budget, adhering to the Saab Winning Business (WB) process.
- Lead and collaborate with a team of product specialists, monitoring the Saab CRM system, and fostering a strong team spirit.
- Contribute to strategic planning by supporting the Country Market Plan (CMP) and other initiatives in coordination with other CSRs and the Country Manager. Actively support Saab's delivery project execution in-country.
- Build and cultivate a high-value network within the Norwegian defence ecosystem, driving innovation and growth.
Your skills and experiences
Experiences
- Proven experience in the Norwegian defence sector, with 5 to 10 years in the defence governmental organisation, defence industrial company, or the armed forces.
- Successful track record in business development, marketing, and sales, with an entrepreneurial spirit and creative problem-solving skills.
- Solid negotiation skills and understanding of business processes and CRM tools.
- Proficient in navigating Government-to-Government, Business-to-Government, and Business-to-Business processes.
- Effective project management skills, with a history of converting prospects and projects into order intake.
- Technical knowledge and commercial awareness, with an understanding of product specifications and the ability to assume the customer sales responsibility (CSR) role. Familiarity with Saab’s product portfolio is beneficial.
- Experience in international and domestic industrial relations, with a strong ability to build and maintain productive industry partnerships.
Skills
- Good relationship-building abilities, with an understanding of relationship selling and strong interpersonal skills.
- Leadership and teamwork skills, with high personal integrity and solid business ethics.
- Clear communication skills, with the ability to create persuasive presentations, documents, and proposals in Norwegian and English. Additional languages are a plus.
- Customer-focused and service-oriented, with the ability to work flexibly and maintain high-quality standards under tight deadlines.
Network
- Established connections within the Norwegian armed forces and/or defence industry, with experience in building and maintaining successful partnerships.
As a candidate, you should be outgoing and possess strong marketing, sales, and communication skills, with a tenacious and driven mindset. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple business opportunities and complex sales issues simultaneously. Your ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines and take ownership will be crucial. Join our dedicated team and make a significant impact in the Norwegian and European defence market.
This position requires that you will be approved in a security vetting in accordance to ISO:27001
About Saab
Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,100 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.
Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here